Apparatus for moving objects

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an apparatus ( 1 ) for lifting and moving objects ( 2 ), the apparatus including a mobile base means, a telescoping post means ( 6, 7 ), an object handling cradle and a cradle ( 50 ) adjusting means ( 20, 21 ), wherein the telescoping post means is attached to the mobile base means and is substantially vertically disposed and being adapted with means to adjust the height of the post means between a retracted position and an extended position, the cradle adjusting means being adapted to be pivotably attached adjacent the top end of the post means in a horinzontal axis to enable the cradle to be adjustable in a vertical plane, the cradle having a substantially planar top surface and being adapted to be rotatably connected to the cradle adjusting means to enable the cradle to be rotatable in a horizontal plane and being adapted to support and transport an object to a desired position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices and apparatus for moving and liftingobjects. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present inventionrelates to an apparatus for use in moving and lifting panels, doors,sheets of glass and the like for installation or otherwise.

BACKGROUND ART

Some building materials such as, for example, plaster board sheets andother sheets of material, large desk tops and large glass windows arecumbersome to transport to the place and position of installation. Inthe case of large sheets of plasterboard sheets, more than one personmay be required to move such sheets without damage to the sheets andsurrounding property. The need to have at least two persons to movelarge sheets can be an inconvenience, and may cause delays in thetransportation of materials to an installation site. Further, even withat least two persons handling such sheets, it can be difficult toposition boards and sheets in places for installation purposes. It canalso be difficult to transport such boards and sheets into lift wells,small foyers and the like.

It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for moving andlifting objects which overcomes at least some of the abovementionedproblems, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided anapparatus for lifting and moving objects, the apparatus including amobile base means, a telescoping post means, an object handling cradleand a cradle adjusting means, wherein the telescoping post means isattached to the mobile base means and is substantially verticallydisposed and being adapted with means to adjust the height of the postmeans between a retracted position and an extended position, the cradleadjusting means being adapted to be pivotably attached adjacent the topend of the post means in a horizontal axis to enable the cradle to beadjustable in a vertical plane, the cradle having a substantially planartop surface and being adapted to be rotatably connected to the cradleadjusting means to enable the cradle to be rotatable in a horizontalplane and being adapted to support a said object.

Preferably the cradle adjusting means is substantially horizontallypivotably attached to the top end portion of the post means to allow formovement of the cradle in a vertical plane, and wherein a verticaladjustment member and associated vertical brake means are pivotablyattached in the same horizontal axis and configured and arranged toallow, in use, the top surface of the cradle to be set in any one of aplurality of positions between a substantially vertical position and asubstantially horizontal position.

Desirably the post means includes a telescoped assembly having an uppertubular member sleeved within a lower tubular member, and a winch pulleysystem operable by a winch and a cable configured and arranged to movethe upper tubular member between a retracted position and an extendedposition.

Advantageously the cradle includes a support frame defining asubstantially planar top surface having at least one continuous edgealong the outer rim of the support frame.

Preferably the support frame includes at least two tubular beam membersadapted to slidably retain retractably extending end arms projectingfrom within the end portions of the beam members, and having means toset the extendable end arms in a desired extended position.

Preferably the support frame includes at least two tubular cross membersadapted to be slidably associated with corresponding outer crossmembers, the outer cross members being attached to the inside edges ofthe beam members and being configured and arranged to allow for aplurality of distances between the beam members to be set.

Additionally the support frame further includes clip means provided on abeam member for load securing purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated, by wayof example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1: Shows a side view of the apparatus handling large sheetsaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2: Shows the telescoped assembly and winch pulley system withoutthe cradle and cradle adjusting means and on an alternative mobile basemeans;

FIG. 3: Shows an exploded detailed view of the cradle adjusting means;

FIG. 4: Shows a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5: Shows a side view of the apparatus 1 in a tilted orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the figures, an apparatus for lifting and moving objects,generally referred to as 1, according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention, is illustrated.

The apparatus 1 is configured and arranged to move objects such as, forexample, sheets of plasterboard and glass, wide desktops and the like.In this preferred embodiment a stack of wall and ceiling plasterboardsheets 2 are shown by way of example only.

The apparatus 1 includes a mobile base means in the form of a base frame3 and wheels 4 pivotably mounted to the base 3. The base 3 is adapted toaccommodate a plurality of wheels 4, and preferably four wheels 4 areprovided in a spaced apart arrangement to provide stability andmanoeuvrability of the apparatus 1.

The base 3 and wheels 4 are made of any suitable resilient and durablematerial. The wheels 4 are preferably made of a high densitypolyurethane, and desirably comprise non-directional castor wheels.Preferably the base frame means includes a wheel locking means in theform of locking tabs 5. The locking tabs 5 are advantageously providedon at least two of the four wheels 4.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, showing an alternative base 3, the base 3is adapted to retain a post means desirably in the form of a telescopedassembly. The telescoped assembly includes a substantially verticallower post 6 mounted or attached to the base. The vertical post 6 formsa lower tubular member of the assembly and is desirably square in crosssection although it will be appreciated that any suitable tubular crosssection may be used. An upper tubular member or sleeve 7 is adapted tobe sleeved within the lower tubular post 6.

The post means is configured and arranged to be height adjustable at anydesirable position between a retracted position and an extendedposition. As seen more clearly with FIG. 2, a winch pulley system isincorporated with the post means and includes a winch drum 8 mounted toa shaft 9 that is pivotably mounted to a bracket 10. The bracket 10 isattached to the lower post 6. A winch handle 11 is mounted to the drum 8for leverage purposes. A winch rope or cable 12 is fixed to the shaft 9and passes through a slot 13 in the post 6 and about a rotatably mountedpulley 14 and is fixed to a base plate 15 at the lower end of the sleeve7.

A cable slot 16 and pulley axle slots 17 is provided in the sleeve 7 toallow for unimpeded movement of the cable 12 and sleeve 7 between anypoint between a retracted position and an extended position. The winchdrum 8 is adapted with a locking means to set the required height of thesleeve 7. Further, the winch drum 8 is provided with a suitable ratchetsystem allowing for proper and safe lifting of loads.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, a more detailed viewof the cradle adjusting means according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention, is illustrated.

The cradle adjusting means includes a plate 20 and support frame 21being pivotably connected adjacent the top end portion of the post meansin the form of the sleeve 7. The pivotable connection is throughhorizontal axis A—A. At one side of the sleeve 7 a fastening means inthe form of a threaded pin 22 is fastened through apertures 23, 24 suchthat it threads through aperture 23 in the frame 21 and its distal endprojects through the aperture 24 in the sleeve 7 to allow for rotationalmovement of the frame 21 relative to the sleeve 7.

A flange 25 and threaded section 26 is threadedly fastened throughaperture 27 and the centre aperture 28 in the lever 29. The lever 29 istherefore mounted onto the threaded section 26 for operable adjustmentof the plate 20 as required. A brake means is in the form of a brakedisc 30 is mountable on the threaded section 26. The assembly is firmlysecured together by way of an outer flange 31 and bolt 32 passingthrough an aperture 33 in the threaded section 26, and through aperture24 a in the sleeve 7 and flange 25 and then received and fastened by wayof a locking nut 34.

In operation, it is seen that the lever 29 adjusts the plate 20 to adesired position, and then a user may secure the plate 20 in position byengaging and rotating the lever 29 to a desired position which causesthe brake disc 30 to bear against the sleeve 7, thus locking theassembly in a desirable position, as required.

The object handling cradle 50 is rotatably mounted to the plate 20. Apreferred attachment assembly is in the form of a threaded bolt 35attached to, and being integral, with the plate 20. A brake disc 36 ismounted about the bolt 35 and a wheel brake 37 is positioned over thebolt 35 and a central aperture 39 is connected to a threaded bolt 38.The threaded bolt 38 is attached to, and integral with, a cradle block40. The cradle block 40 is attached between the cross members 51. Thebolt 35 passes through a central aperture 41 in the bolt 35 and thecradle block 40 and the cradle mounting assembly is fastened and securedtogether by a washer 42 and lock nut 43.

In operation, a cradle 50 is provided with rotational movement relativeto the post means and the wheel brake and associated brake disc 37 isconfigured and arranged to rotate and then set the desired position ofthe cradle 50 in place for handling and movement of objects thereon.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 4, a perspective view of theapparatus 1 showing an object handling cradle, generally referred to as50, is illustrated.

The object handling cradle 50 is particularly adapted to support andmove large, relatively thin, sheets such as plasterboard, glass,laminated boards and panels, and the like. The cradle 50 includes a pairof centrally located cross members 51.

The width of the cradle 50 can therefore be adjusted as required. Thecross members 51 are fixed at the central area and have outer portions(not shown) that are configured to be slidably inserted within tubularouter members 51 a. The outer cross members 51 a are preferably attachedto respective beams 52 and are desirably tubular to allow sleevedcentral members 51 to be slidably associated with the respective crossmembers 51. Various extendible widths can be set by way of retractablespring loaded pins 51 b locatable in any one of a plurality of apertures51 c in the side edges of the outer cross members 51 a respectively.

The cross tie members 53 a are attached to respective beams 52 on eitherside of the cross members 51 and are desirably tubular to allow sleevedcentral members 53 to be slidably associated with the respective crosstie members 53 a. Various extendible widths can be set by way ofretractable spring loaded pins 53 b locatable in any one of a pluralityof apertures 53 c in the side edges of the outer cross tie members 53 arespectively. Only one cross tie member 53 may be provided withadjusting means as the other cross tie member 53 will expand and retractrelative to the cross members 51 as required. It will be appreciatedthat when the distance between the beam members 52 is being adjustedbeyond the fixed width edge 55, the continuous edge 55 will need to beremoved.

It will be appreciated according to alternative embodiments of theinvention that the adjustability of the cradle 50 can be made from minorvariations in the cradle components. For example, the continuous edge 55may have a flexible central portion that allows the distance between thebeams 52 to be adjusted without removal of the edge 55.

A pair of spaced apart beams 52, preferably tubular in cross-section,are attached to the ends of the cross members 51 a and spaced apartsupporting cross tie members 53. The cross members 51, cross tie members53 and beams 52 are configured and arranged to form a substantiallyplanar top surface to allow wide and flat objects to be cradledthereupon without damaging such objects.

The cradle 50 further includes a continuous side edge 54 along at leastone side of the cradle 50. In this embodiment one continuous side edgeis shown, although it is envisaged that it may be provided on opposingside edges in some situations. The continuous edge 54 is seen to be adesirable feature as it allows sheets to be mounted securely on thecradle, and moved in such a way that damage may be minimised to edges ofthe sheets, particularly if such sheets are plasterboard sheets.

A continuous end edge 55 is provided for ease of loading sheets andboards.

It is envisaged that with some delicate handling operations such as withcradling panes of glass, rubber or polyethylene inserts 56 in the formof strips and/or angle strips may be releasably attachable or simplyplaced onto the top surface of the cradle to minimise damage to anyfragile objects being moved, and to increase friction that can serve toreduce unwanted movement of such fragile objects during manoeuvringand/or installation.

The cradle 50 preferably includes retractably extendable end arms 57that are sleeved within the end sections of the beams 52. The arms 57are preferably slidably adjustable relative to the beams 52 toaccommodate different sized sheets and objects, as required. Variousextendible lengths may be set by desirably having retractable springloaded pins 58 positioned in a plurality of apertures 59 made along theside edges of the beams 52.

Clips 60 are preferably fitted to the beams 42 to be used to secure theedges of sheets and boards for additional securing purposes. The clips60 can be any known and suitable type of clamping system, and may bemade of any durable and resilient material.

Arm tabs 61 form part of the distal end of the arms 57 located at theopposite end from the continuous edge 55 for sheet supporting purposes.

A handle 62 is provided on the central cross member 53, and a secondhandle 63 on the beam 52, for allowing a user to move the apparatus 1and allow a good grip on the cradle 50 for tilting purposes, asrequired.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 5, a side view of the 50 in atilted position, is now further described.

The apparatus 1 is shown with the cradle 50 rotated about 40 degreesfrom the vertical and being ready for stacking purposes. Onenon-limiting operation of the apparatus 1 will now be described.Generally the cradle 50 will be rotated about the horizontal axis A—A sothat the top surface of the cradle 50 it tilted with the continuous edge54 at the lower end of the cradle 50. The objects, such as for exampleplasterboard sheets, are then stacked onto the top surface of the cradle50 with the lower edge of the sheets resting against the edge 54.

The top edge of the sheets can then be secured by way of the arms 57being adjusted until arm tabs 61 and edge 55 abut the side edges of thesheets 2. The wheel locks 5 can then be released and the apparatus 1 ismoved to the destination area for the objects or sheets. It will beappreciated that movement of the sheets can be achieved by one personrather than usually at least two persons when large bulky sheets arebeing moved.

The apparatus 1 is designed with a view to making movement of sheetseasier, particularly when transporting sheets via elevators. It isenvisaged that the apparatus 1 can be configured and arranged to enablethe sheets to be stacked at a suitable angle to the cradle 50 andtransported. It is envisaged that the components of the apparatus 1 maybe easily disassembled and reassembled for ease of transportation andportability when the apparatus 1 is not in use.

The apparatus 1 may be made of any suitable and durable materials and inthis preferred embodiment is made substantially of cast mild steel.Other commonly used metals such as aluminium may be used as required.Other materials such as durable plastics materials may be desirably usedas required.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or componentshaving known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporatedas if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated thatchanges may be made to the above described embodiments of the inventionwithout departing from the principles taught herein.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent forthose skilled in the art after considering the principles in particularform as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that theinvention as described is not intended to be restrictive in any way, andis intended to be illustrative. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description, andtherefore the invention is not intended to be limited to the particularembodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover allalterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. An apparatus for lifting and moving objects, the apparatus includinga mobile base means, a telescoping post means, an object handling cradleand a cradle adjusting means, wherein the telescoping post means isattached to the mobile base means and is substantially verticallydisposed and being adapted with means to adjust the height of the postmeans between a retracted position and an extended position, the cradleadjusting means being adapted to be pivotably attached adjacent the topend of the post means in a horizontal axis to enable the cradle to beadjustable in a vertical plane, and wherein a vertical adjustment memberand associated vertical brake means are pivotably attached in the samehorizontal axis and configured and arranged to allow, in use, the topsurface of the cradle to be set in any one of a plurality of positionsbetween a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontalposition, and wherein the cradle is adapted with a substantially planartop surface and is adapted to be rotatably connected to the cradleadjusting means to enable the cradle to be rotatable in a horizontalplane and being adapted to support a said object.
 2. An apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the post means includes a telescopedassembly having an upper tubular member sleeved within a lower tubularmember, and a winch pulley system operable by a winch and a cableconfigured and arranged to move the upper tubular member between aretracted position and an extended position.
 3. An apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein the cradle includes a support frame defining asubstantially planar top surface having at least one continuous edgealong an outer rim of the support frame.
 4. An apparatus according toclaim 3 wherein the support frame includes at least two tubular beammembers adapted to slidably retain retractably extending end armsprojecting from within the end portions of the beam members, and havingmeans to set the extendable end arms in a desired extended position. 5.An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the support frame includes atleast two tubular cross members adapted to be slidably associated withcorresponding outer cross members, the outer cross members beingattached to inside edges of the beam members and being configured andarranged to allow for a plurality of distances between the beam membersto be set.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the supportframe further includes clip means provided on a beam member for loadsecuring purposes.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein themobile base means is provided with four spaced apart wheels pivotablyattached to a bracket which is itself rotatably associated with theunderside of the mobile base means, in use, to swivel in any directionon a floor surface.
 8. An apparatus for lifting and moving objects, theapparatus including a mobile base means, a telescoping post means, anobject handling cradle and a cradle adjusting means, the cradleadjusting means is substantially horizontally pivotably attached to thetop end portion of the post means to allow for movement of the cradle ina vertical plane, and wherein a vertical adjustment member andassociated vertical brake means are pivotably attached in the samehorizontal axis and configured and arranged to allow, in use, the topsurface of the cradle to be set in any one of a plurality of positionsbetween a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontalposition, the telescoping post means being attached to the mobile basemeans and is substantially vertically disposed and being adapted withmeans to adjust the height of the post means between a retractedposition and an extended position, the cradle adjusting means beingadapted to be pivotably attached adjacent the top end of the post meansin a horizontal axis to enable the cradle to be adjustable in a verticalplane, the cradle having a substantially planar top surface and beingadapted to be pivotably connected to the cradle adjusting means, thepost means includes a telescoped assembly having an upper tubular membersleeved within a lower tubular member, and a winch pulley systemoperable by a winch and a cable configured and arranged to move theupper tubular member between a retracted position and an extendedposition, the mobile base means having four spaced apart castor wheelsattached to the underside of the mobile base means to allow for movementof the apparatus about a floor area.